Alli 60mg Capsules

Alli 60mg Capsules

Alli contains orlistat 60mg and is a pharmacy weight management capsule for adults aged 18 and over with a body mass index of 28 or more. It is taken with meals and is designed to be used alongside a reduced calorie, lower fat diet rather than on its own.

How it works

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor. Lipase is the enzyme that breaks dietary fat down so it can be absorbed in the gut. By blocking some of that enzyme activity, orlistat allows around a quarter of the fat in a meal to pass through the digestive system unabsorbed, which lowers the energy taken in from that meal. It acts in the gut rather than on appetite or the brain.

How to use it

A capsule is taken with each main meal that contains fat, either just before, during or up to an hour after eating. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, that dose is skipped. Spreading your daily fat allowance evenly across three meals makes the treatment easier to tolerate, and a daily multivitamin taken at bedtime is usually recommended because fat soluble vitamin absorption is reduced.

Who it is for

It is for adults aged 18 and over with a BMI of 28 or above. It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for anyone with cholestasis or chronic malabsorption syndrome, or for people taking ciclosporin. Check with a pharmacist if you take warfarin, amiodarone, thyroid medicine or medicines for diabetes or epilepsy.

Safety and when to get advice

The most common effects relate directly to how it works: oily or fatty stools, wind with discharge, urgent bowel movements and more frequent stools, particularly when a meal has been higher in fat. Keeping fat intake moderate reduces these effects. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if effects are severe or persist, and stop use and seek advice for severe abdominal pain or signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product before you buy.

Common questions

How long should I take it for?
Pharmacy use is reviewed after a few months. A pharmacist will check your progress and whether continuing is appropriate.

Do I still need to change my diet?
Yes. Orlistat only works in combination with a reduced calorie, lower fat eating pattern.

Why take a multivitamin?
Because less dietary fat is absorbed, the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K can also be absorbed less well. Take the supplement at bedtime, away from doses.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the pack before use.